By Kevin Revolinski | Photo: Kayaker at Devil’s Lake, photo courtesy of Travel Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s abundant rivers and lakes make it a prime destination for kayakers of all ages, especially when fall colors fire up.
Most destinations are accessible for beginners and casual paddlers, while a few may show some intermediate Class II runs. Whitewater is for experts, but is available. Sea kayaking on the moody Great Lakes is also generally not for the inexperienced to try on their own, but professional guides trained in safety and rescue can take all skill levels.
NORTHEAST
DOOR BLUFF HEADLANDS
At Garrett Bay on the Green Bay side of the Door County Peninsula, this route follows a mile of rocky beach beneath a 200-foot-tall limestone bluff. Native American pictographs on the rock are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and in the shallow bay you can paddle over a shipwreck.
CAVE POINT
This Door County paddle on the Lake Michigan side follows the rocky edges of the shore, which rise about 20 feet and show the wear and tear of centuries of waves. The area along the namesake county park features shallow caves. A guide is highly recommended.
LOWER WOLF RIVER
With put-ins at Shiocton, New London and Fremont, the lower Wolf River features mostly flatwater paddling through forest and farm, with minimal Class I rapids on some of the bends.
NORTHWEST
THE SEA CAVES OF THE APOSTLE ISLAND NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Only experts with sea kayaks should even consider this on their own, yet even beginners can do it – on an excursion with guides trained in sea rescue. Lake Superior’s waves and wind have shaped these 40- to 50-foot sandstone cliff faces, giving us the “sea caves” and colorful sculpted formations. Trips start from Meyers Beach to the west and, when the water is cooperative, allow paddlers to get up close to the rock, enter caves and paddle through arches. Trips are four to five miles roundtrip and often include a beach lunch.
ST CROIX RIVER NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY
The Upper St. Croix is narrow, serpentine and more intimate, with frequent riffles and Class I passes, as well as plenty of wildlife and thick forest right up to the banks. After it joins the Namekagon (also part of the national riverway), it grows bigger and offers a few easy Class II rapids. The Lower St. Croix, below Interstate State Park, is wider and gentle, suitable for all skill levels, with numerous put-ins/ take-outs on both the Wisconsin and Minnesota sides.
BOIS BRULE
Spring-fed and pristine, The River of Presidents (five have visited to trout fish) is fairly easy, with only a few short, straight Class I runs on the section south of US-2. After the highway, it is more intermediate with Class II, or even III, rapids depending on water levels.
SOUTHEAST
MILWAUKEE
The Milwaukee River below Estabrook Park runs unobstructed to Lake Michigan and the confluence of the Kinnickinnic and the Menomonee rivers. Green space creates the illusion of wilderness, while downtown the Riverwalk offers places to moor and stop for lunch or a brewery tour. Local rental options available.
HORICON MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
This is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States, and during fall migration 300,000 birds pass through, including thousands of cranes.
The water is still or slow-moving, so you can paddle to the town of Horicon or return to where you put in.
SOUTHWEST
WISCONSIN RIVER
The last 92 miles of the Wisconsin River are dam-free and popular for both daytrips and overnight camping on sandbars. Paddling is easy, and the current is ample, but without rapids. Local outfitters run trips out of Sauk City, Spring Green and Boscobel. You can reach the Mississippi River and Wyalusing State Park.
DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK
Wisconsin’s most visited state park features two towering rocky bluffs overlooking the namesake lake. There are no waterskiers or speedboats, so it is a calm paddle in one of the most scenic spots in the state. A concessionary outfitter offers rentals.
MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK
Often overshadowed by nearby Devil’s Lake, the dam-made lake puts paddlers up close to carved sandstone bluffs and rich forest. A concessionaire offers rentals.
KICKAPOO RIVER
All skill levels love this shallow, “crookedest river in the world,” as it winds tightly back and forth along gorgeous carved sandstone bluffs. Outfitters in Ontario, Wisconsin, can set you up, or bring your own equipment for the ride. Wildcat Mountain State Park is halfway along the most popular section for camping or launching.
WHITEWATER RAPIDS
ARE YOU AN EXPERT? Wisconsin has some exhilarating runs for the high-level paddler.
Wausau Whitewater Park offers more than 12 natural and engineered features along a 1/3 mile-stretch of the Wisconsin River, featuring Class II to III+ rapids, during dam releases. Waivers, ACA (americancanoe.org) membership documentation and fees are required.
Red River, the last four-mile stretch between Lower Red Lake Dam in Gresham to the County Road A Bridge offers Class III+ rapids, is for kayakers with experience and requires scouting the river first, as well as using a helmet and specialized kayak.
Menominee River and Peshtigo offer Class III-IV rapids including drops up to 10 feet.
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